Hours after being sworn in as Interim Superintendent of the Alamance-Burlington School System, Bill Harrison was welcomed into his role by members of the Alamance County Board of Commissioners during their meeting on March 18. He replaced former Superintendent Dain Butler who resigned earlier this month.
Harrison is no stranger to Alamance County, he previously served as both interim superintendent and superintendent of the school system between 2014 and 2018. Before that, he served as the chairman for the State Board of Education from 2009 to 2013.
The board also unanimously approved a Capital Reserve Fund request of $1,395,390 from ABSS Chief Operations Officer Greg Hook. These funds will be transferred from the school system’s Capital Reserve Fund to the Capital Project Fund. They will be used to continue roof and HVAC repairs on numerous ABSS facilities.
An additional step was taken toward the eventual completion of the Haw River Trail. The Recreation and Parks Department’s request to apply for grant funding was approved. Acquisition of this 911 acres in Alamance County would connect the Haw River State Trail and Mountains to Sea Trail.
The proposed trail spans roughly 80 miles from the Haw River State Park — situated on the Rockingham and Guilford County line — to the Jordan Lake State Recreational Area in Chatham County. Of the 80 miles, roughly 40 miles of this corridor passes through Alamance County. Around 20 miles of trails have been built so far.
The board also voted 4-1 to approve an $18,000 contract with CRA Associates to investigate renovation and expansion options for Graham’s J.B. Allen Courthouse. Commissioner Pamela Thompson voted against the motion.